The Daily Star Ireland
John McClean, already serving a lengthy prison term for the abuse of dozens of boys, has been found guilty once more—this time for sexually abusing four additional teenagers. Despite the new convictions, the 80-year-old will not serve any extra time behind bars due to a prior ruling that capped his sentence.
McClean, once a respected teacher and rugby coach at Terenure College in Dublin, is currently imprisoned for abusing 45 boys between the 1970s and 1990s. The abuse took place while he held a trusted position within the school, allowing him to exploit and manipulate vulnerable students under the guise of sports care and medical checks.
New Victims, Familiar Pattern
Following media coverage of his previous convictions, four more victims came forward, revealing stories that mirrored earlier accounts. The pattern was tragically familiar—McClean would isolate boys, use his authority and physical strength, and carry out assaults in private school facilities like offices and changing rooms.
The court acknowledged his history of preying on children, targeting those involved in sports, and using his position to cover up repeated crimes. His actions continued for over two decades with limited accountability during that time.
Judge Martin Nolan handed down an additional two-year sentence but confirmed that McClean would not serve more time due to a Court of Appeal ruling that fixed the upper sentencing limit for his offenses at ten and a half years. The judge emphasized the constraints imposed by this precedent and expressed gratitude to the latest victims for their courage in coming forward.
